Administering Medications
Administering medications is a very high risk procedure that nurses are required to perform on a daily basis. This skill requires the nurse to exercise a high level of knowledge, skill and judgement to ensure patient and provider safety. This module will allow you to refresh your knowledge on the College of Nurses expectations for nurses who administer medications.
To complete this module:
Please review the CNO Practice Standard on Medicationsopens in new window
Watch the Webcast: Medication Practice Standard: An Overview Webcastopens in new window
Review the Medication Decision Tool using the case study below
Complete Medication research for each medication using the medication template, one medication per page medication templateopens in new window
Complete the Medication Decision Tool questions for EACH Medication- down load and answer the questions within each category
Application Activity
Case Study
Mr. Alba is a 28 year old man who has come in with a fractured femur from a workplace fall. He is one day post op and you are having difficulty with his pain management plan. He rates his pain as 8/10. The physician has ordered the following:
Morphine 5mg IV q4h PRN
Gravol 50mg IV q6h PRN
Fragmin 5000 units q12hrs
Patient must be placed on continuous O2 Saturation monitoring
CNO Decision Making Tool:
Using the Case Scenario above, please work through the CNO’s Medication Decision Making Tool. Answer the questions as if you, the nurse are giving the medications listed above. Look up any additional information to be able to fully answer the questions in the tool kit. The CNO website, DOS II, Pharmacology & Lab III may be useful places to gather information from.
Authority
Safety
Competence
Does this medication practice require an order?
Is a controlled act involved?
Does other legislation impacts performing this in my workplace setting?
Is the order clear, complete and appropriate?
Are there any workplace policies about the medication practice that I need to consider?
Have I considered the risk, contraindications and adverse reactions?
What evidence informs my practice?
What are the strategies to minimize the risk of harm?
Are there supports to minimize harm if an adverse event occurs?
Do I need to collaborate or consult with others? For example, the health care team or the client.
Have I provided the client with education?
Is the client informed?
Has the client or substitute decision-maker been involved in the care planning?
Are there system approaches that support safe medication practices available? For example, safe storage, reporting errors and strategies to reduce drug diversion.
Am I the appropriate care provider? Do I have the knowledge, skill and judgment?
If you’re not sure, consider what resources you need to answer this question. For example, look up drug references or best practices and guidelines.
What evidence informs my practice?
What organizational policies might influence my practice?
Is the medication practice appropriate for my client?
Is the medication practice appropriate for my workplace setting?
Do I have the appropriate environmental supports, such as organizational guidelines, equipment and protocols, to administer and manage outcomes safely?
Do I need to develop a Learning Plan related to this medication practice?
